A Simple Swap for Skin Wins
Here is the Dirt on Keeping it Clean
You groom your dog to keep his coat clean and healthy, but could ingredients in grooming products actually harm your dog’s health?
Maybe this seems far-fetched. Let’s take a look at specific ingredients found in popular products on the market:
Harsh surfactants (normally what creates the bubbles) like Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These strip the coat and skin of natural, protective oils and are known skin irritants.
Another commonly used surfactant, Cocamidopropyl betaine, also causes skin irritation as well as contact allergic dermatitis.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone, another commonly used preservative, is a known, strong skin irritant.
Ingredients used to extend the shelf-life also known as preservatives like parabens and phthalates are both classes of chemicals that have been banned by the EU because they've been linked to cancer.
Fragrance. This is an umbrella term for chemicals that have been linked to respiratory distress, reproductive harm, allergies, and dermatitis. Keep in mind that your dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than your own.
On top of these ingredients, medicated shampoos contain antimicrobials that destroy the skin microbiome, which is necessary to maintain healthy skin. Most commonly used antimicrobials - including Chlorhexidine, Miconazole nitrate, and coal tar - also cause serious irritation and dryness that results in a compromised skin barrier. Coal tar is known to cause cancer and organ toxicity.
If your dog’s skin is already irritated, these products will likely exacerbate the problem and leave the skin even more vulnerable to problems.
Skin can absorb chemicals, and they enter into the bloodstream - think of transdermal lotions and nicotine patches.
Each time you use a grooming product; you’re exposing your dog to the chemicals it contains.
A Solution for Every Need
Our mission is simple; to provide effective solutions for skin and coat health that are safe for animals, the humans who care for them, and the planet we share.
Whether your pup is already struggling with a skin issue or you are just looking to avoid future skin issues, we have a product to help.
COAT DEFENSE® daily Preventative Powder
The perfect product to dissipate odor not just cover it up with synthetic petroleum derived fragrances. Our powder can be used to freshen your pup up or eliminate and prevent many of the issues dogs are struggling with today like yeast overgrowth, itching, elephant skin, hotspots, discoloration, and inflammation.
When using the powder as a remedy, you will want to use it continuously down to the skin in the troubled areas for at least 3 days or until it cleared. As it wears off, apply more so the skin stays constantly covered. This will get ahead of any overgrowth of pathogens on the skin. Once cleared, it is an effective preventative especially when used as a final dry on damp prone areas. Many customers make it a part of their pet’s bedtime routine.
COAT DEFENSE® Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo
A shampoo that will not add more harm to the sensitive skin microbiome. Free from harsh chemicals, detergents, and skin allergens so it will not harm the nourishing oils needed for skin wellness. We use aloe vera to moisturize and soothe, saponified olive and coconut oils (gentle soaps that clean without stripping the skin), and natural plant extracts to support skin health.
COAT DEFENSE® Trouble Spot Drying Paste
A spot treatment used for areas of broken skin and as a barrier that draws and dries to create a healing environment. Is your pup struggling with bug bites, hotspots, or wounds? Grab the paste and apply a thin layer over the affected area. Continue to apply as it flakes off until it heals. For areas of high movement like the leg, thin out with a tiny bit of water or witch hazel to make a thinner paste.
COAT DEFENSE® Something Better Balm
Dry, cracked noses, paw pads, and elbows are no match for this ultra moisturizing formula. Made with some of Mother Nature’s most nourishing ingredients. This balm also creates a barrier on hot pavement, sidewalks, ice, and rough terrain. Give it a try on your own skin!
Dogs deserve safe and natural products that promote healthy, happy, and long lives.
This blog is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
At Coat Defense, we pride ourselves on providing safe and natural solutions to everyday skin and coat issues so that we can all go on to live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
